Robert L. “Bob” Spicer, 75, of Hiawatha, died early Monday morning, June 26, 2023, at Maple Heights Nursing Home where he had been a resident since January.
Bob was born at Sabetha, October 26, 1947, one of four children born to Alva Leroy and Elizabeth Arnold Spicer and had lived most of his life in Hiawatha. He grew up south of Hiawatha and attended schools here and Willis before graduating with the last class at Robinson High School in 1966. Soon after high school, he served with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict, discharged at the rank of sgt. In 1971. He served in the KSARNG in Hiawatha before being discharged in 1974.
After the military when his family was younger, they lived at Cozad Nebraska for 6 years where he worked for Monroe Automotive before returning to Hiawatha. He then joined the family business, Spicer Salvage, working with his father and brother Jim prior to working for CR Industries in Seneca for 14 years. In 2008, he started his own business recycling scrap metal until ill health forced him to retire.
He grew up in the Methodist Church in Willis.
He married Rose Ann McNett, August 12, 1974, at Church of Christ at Horton. They divorced in 1989 but still remained friends. She survives.
Also surviving is a son Michael Spicer (Tammy) of Fairview, step-daughter Karen Roland of Bellingham, Mass., a brother Jim Spicer of rural Hiawatha, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Linda Curless and Jane Stahl.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Thursday where the family will meet that evening from 5 until 7 p.m. Services will then be held with Shane Spangler officiating. Brown County Veterans Honor Guard will perform military honors. Cremation to follow service with private family inurnment at Corneilson Cemetery, Reserve.
